Longmont Hikes Mt. Bierstadt

### Details

TYPE: Hike | PACE: Moderate Difficulty | TERRAIN: Rocky/Scramble | DISTANCE: 7.2 miles out and back

Join us for an all-day hike at Mt. Bierstadt! This is the first of our spring/summer hikes, where we’ll hike at a moderate pace starting at 5:00am.

When we reach the summit, we will gather with our packed sandwiches/lunch at the top of the mountain. After lunch, we will head back down.

The time estimate for us to complete this hike is just that - an estimate. Please plan for a full day.

### Hike Leaders:

Lauren: I am a runner/walker who also loves to hike.
Jorge: Hiker and biker extraordinaire.
We have previously climbed Humphreys Peak in Arizona and are training to hike Mt. Fuji this year.

### How to Prepare:

Dress for a moderate-intensity early summer hike in the dry climate of Colorado. A few things I would recommend that you bring are as follows:

• Sunscreen,
• a hat,
• sunglasses,
• trekking poles,
• hiking shoes with good grip,
• hiking crampons/microspikes for rocky terrain and any ice/snow patches,
• plenty of water,
• snacks (electrolyte-containing snacks like trail mix or pretzels help with the elevation; electrolyte drinks also help)
• your delectable lunch for the summit,
• compass (typically I use the free app),
• paper and/or downloaded AllTrails map,
• basic first aid items, i.e. ibuprofen, portable oxygen if needed, bandaids, gauze, sanitizer, anti-itch treatment, etc.
• layers, including a rain jacket or wind-proof jacket that can easily be folded/tucked away.
• Meeting Site:

Launch Site: The Bierstadt Trailhead

The Bierstadt Trailhead is located in the parking lot off of Exit 228 on Guanella Pass Road. We will convene at the trailhead, meet and create a quick introductions circle by 5:00am.

Why this early in the morning you ask? I am asking myself the same thing. This trailhead is known to have parking fill up extremely early all year round, but especially towards the peak season of June-October. It is recommended to come down from the mountain by 12:00pm around this time of year.

After introductions, we will begin the hike at about 5:15am.

We highly recommend that you download the AllTrails app prior to the event.

Please be aware this hike will be at a moderate pace. We will plan to hopefully reach the summit in about 4 hours, eat lunch and take a breather to enjoy the views and relax, and then make our way down.

### Release of Liability:

By signing up for this event, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own safety and well-being throughout the activity. This is a volunteer-led experience. Volunteers are not liable for any injury or illness that may happen during the event or that results from participating in this event. Please take good care to only participate at a level within your skill and comfort. If you have any health concerns at all, please consult with your physician before attending any hike. As always, have fun and be safe!